Monday, December 5, 2016

USA November 2016

Prius lands in Prime Time

Over 13.000 new EV's were registered in the US of A last November, with YoY sales up 26% and the last month market share just shy of 1%, pushing the YTD EV Share slightly up to 0.84%, the US market is already in record levels, having beaten the 2015 volumes of 120.000 units, with December expected to surpass the 20.000 units landmark, we could be talking on a final tally close to 160.000 units.With Tesla performing below expectations, it seems the new Autonomous Drive hardware addition took more time to tune in, so the Best Seller of the Month trophy went for the second time in a row for the Chevrolet Volt, the first time the GM modelplate did so since 2012(!), with the 2.531 units, which was not only a record result of the Second Generation Volt, but also the best result in over two years, when the Volt reached 3.351 sales in August 2014.

It seems that unlike what was to be expected, the upcoming Bolt is not harming its plug-in hybrid relative, but actually helping it...Way to go, Chevy!

Looking below, yes we see some interesting performances, like the 1.817 Ford Fusion Energi sales, its best result in two years, cementing its Third Spot, but maybe not enough to resist the December push by the Tesla Model X, yes, the Nissan Leaf had a year best result, with 1.457 units, but really, the headlining news for November was the thunderous arrival of the Toyota Prius Prime, also known as Second Generation Prius PHEV.

With 781 units delivered in its landing month, it was the best debut performance ever in this market, leaving strong credentials as nominee for the 2017 Best Seller Award. Profiting from a loyal (and extensive) customer base, decent range and competitive price, it seems Toyota has a winner in its hands, should the Japanese maker want it (And i think it does). Chevrolet Bolt, you may have just found your nemesis...

In the brands ranking, Tesla (28%) is comfortable in the leadership and must be preparing the catering for its Manufacturers trophy party, while Chevrolet (18%) is keeping its (small) advantage over the Third Placed Ford (17%), but with its Bolt all-electric model landing in December, Chevrolet should have enough deliveries not only to secure the Silver Medal, but actually to increase the distance.